In a major move set to boost travel and migratory work opportunities in between India and Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the centre’s intention to launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa exclusively for Russian travellers.
Following Russian premiere Vladimir Putin’s arrival in Delhi for the 2 day annual India-Russia bilateral summit, both countries have signed several agreements and a new economic cooperation program focused on raising bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
The move simplifies and removes cost barriers for Russian tourists, who previously required a standard visa or a paid e-visa (though negotiations for visa-free group travel were already ongoing). This will likely increase the number of Russian visitors to India, mirroring Russia’s own e-visa success with Indian tourists.
Beyond tourism, the improved mobility aims to increase exchanges between students, scholars, and sportspersons, further solidifying the cultural bedrock of the relationship.
What did PM Modi say?
PM Modi made the announcement of a free 30 day group visa for Russian tourists via a joint press statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday.
As per the BJP leader, this move is intended to enhance people-to-people connections and boost tourism between the two nations, building on their decades-old “special and privileged strategic partnership”.
The announcement follows the recent inauguration of two new Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan. Officials said the missions will improve outreach, trade facilitation, consular services and tourism flows.
Modi on ‘manpower mobility’
Talking about the importance of improved mobility for strengthening economic manpower, PM Modi said that step is expected to “create new strength and new opportunities for both countries.”
Officials said the pact will help streamline recruitment, training and workplace regulations, creating new employment avenues for Indians and supporting labour shortages in Russian industries. The two sides also committed to expanding exchanges between students, researchers and sportspersons to strengthen social and cultural links.
India and Russia on Friday, December 5, unveiled an expansive set of agreements that aim to deepen cooperation across labour mobility, healthcare, shipping, fertilisers, food safety and taxation, while also announcing a joint economic vision that will guide bilateral engagement until 2030.